A translated questionnaire scored against another language's norms

If a psychological report uses an independently translated questionnaire and compares its scores with norms for the original version, the number may suggest precision. It is unclear whether the translation and respondents' understanding of the questions were checked. Reviewing the report requires reconstructing the actual procedure without drawing new personality conclusions from one score.

What needs to be clarified

Review the language version, norm group and scoring rationale, and whether conclusions fit the method and available evidence.

Materials to prepare

Full report identifying questionnaire, version and source
Actual translation, completed forms and scoring table
Manual and norms, administration conditions and interpreter involvement

What to compare

Compare wording, instructions and scales with the cited version. Check answers, missing-data rules, calculations and norm-sample characteristics. Identify documented language difficulties or procedural departures and whether other supplied sources support the final assertions.

Possible outcome of the analysis

A review may identify scoring errors, unsupported inferences and information needed to assess the applicability of norms in this document and setting.

Limits of the conclusions

Document review is neither clinical examination, diagnosis nor treatment. Unsuitable norms do not invalidate every statement, but may limit particular scores and conclusions.